Chapter 2

Midnight at Nightfall Lounge.

Amethyst lights pulsed through the air as seductive music teased the senses.

Vivian Laurent entered in stilettos, finding Isabella Langley already nursing a drink in the VIP booth.

"Isabella."

She tapped the glass tabletop. Though they'd grown distant after Vivian's marriage into the Roscente family, Isabella had managed all her business ventures.

"Vivian!"

Isabella embraced her, voice trembling. "You finally left that man! I've waited three years for this decision!"

Three years ago, Vivian's sudden wedding announcement had shocked Isabella. This was the legendary Dr. Luna—renowned physician, elite hacker Queen, and genius designer—retiring at her peak.

"He hasn't seen you like this, has he?" Isabella eyed her transformed friend.

Vivian shook her head. "The toxins are gone." When Ethan Roscente left, she'd been a disfigured woman covered in lesions.

"What's next? Your Dark Web medical queue extends to next year, and Shadow's contracts are piling up."

Vivian swirled her amber drink, its hue mirroring her distant gaze. She still couldn't fathom why she'd wasted three years in that empty mansion.

"I'm back."

"Found the poisoner?"

"Natalie." Vivian's eyes turned glacial at her half-sister's name.

"Letting her go?"

"Hardly." A dangerous smile curved Vivian's lips. "She'll learn what suffering truly means."

As they discussed business, leering men approached.

"Buy you ladies a drink?"

"Get lost."

Vivian didn't even glance up. One man reached for her face. "Playing hard to—"

He flew three meters before hitting the floor.

"Get her!" he roared.

By the time security arrived, bodies littered the ground. Vivian flexed her wrist. "Let's talk upstairs."

Outside the private lounge, Felix Valdemar gaped. "That was insane! I didn't even see her move!"

Beside him, Ethan Roscente gave a noncommittal hum, his gaze tracking the retreating figure.

"Definitely an upgrade from your fat ex-wife." Felix snapped his fingers. "Right, today's your divorce."

"Former wife," Ethan corrected.

"Anyone running with Isabella Langley is trouble." Felix scowled, recalling their corporate battles.

...

Alcohol burned through Vivian's veins. Celebrating her newfound freedom, she'd overindulged. After Isabella left for the restroom, she staggered toward the hallway.

The bathroom door swung open.

Vivian froze.

The mirror reflected a tall silhouette.

She blinked hard, doubting her intoxicated vision.

The man smoking at the corridor's end—it was unmistakably Ethan Roscente.